Description
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible recipe for Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni! Juicy, flavorful meatballs made with ground turkey, creamy ricotta, and a zesty blend of herbs and spices are paired with a garlicky spinach-infused rigatoni pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. In the same skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the garlic spinach. Toss to coat everything in the garlic oil. Add the meatballs back into the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
6. Serve the rigatoni with the meatballs on top, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty meal that combines the zesty, juicy meatballs with the garlicky, nutrient-rich spinach pasta.
Notes
For the juiciest and most flavorful meatballs, opt for ground turkey with a higher fat content, around 93% lean. The extra fat will help keep the meatballs moist and tender during the cooking process.
The secret to the Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs is the blend of herbs and spices that infuse the meat with bold, Italian-inspired flavors. The lemon zest, fresh parsley, and dried oregano add brightness and depth, while the crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 100